MimiMcBrideBloeser

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mimi. A consummate mother, beloved wife, and cherished sister, Mimi devoted herself wholly to helping others in countless ways. She passed away July 1, 2014./24/195

Mimi graduated from Lakewood High School in 1971, where she was co-editor in chief of the newspaper, and directed the school play South Pacific. One of our family's favorite pictures of Mimi is from her performance at Long Beach Community Theater, as the star of the musical Dames at Sea-her arms thrown wide and a great smile on her face.

There was something very honest and engaging about Mimi, especially in her interactions with young people: Mimi was always the first to connect with the kids at a family gathering, asking just the right questions to get them thinking, and forever equipped with the perfect toy or game that she instinctively knew would be a big hit.

It was no surprise then that one of Mimi's great passions in life was in helping children understand and learn to cope with the loss of a loved one. Completing her Masters degree in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, Mimi's thesis was entitled Funerals and Children. She applied her knowledge in many areas, including Long Beach City College, where she was a parent educational teacher, helping mothers translate their love for their children into constructive parenting skills.

Mimi also became very active in the church, particularly at Saint Joseph's, where she played an integral role in their bereavement team helping children through the grieving process.

Mimi truly had an amazing gift for understanding a young child's anxieties and fears over the loss of a close family member. Her thoughtful insights and gentle words stayed with these children throughout their lives, paving the way for a better understanding of loss in the moment, and providing the groundwork for a healthier conception of death and dying as they grew into adulthood.

Mimi is survived by her ever loving husband, Jerry, devoted children Mark, Stacey and Ryan, and wonderfully supportive siblings Jimmy, Jeannie, and Bonnie, as well as dozens of nieces, nephews and in-laws, each of whom she adored. She cherished her friends and practiced her faith with great devotion.

Always the first to smile and greet you with a hug, to tell you how great you looked or how proud she was of you, or to drop whatever she was doing to give good counsel on whatever might be troubling you, Mimi was the absolute soul of kindness and love; everyone she touched knew that they were loved.

Thank you Mimi for all of these wonderful gifts -you will be with us in our hearts, now and forever.

On Friday, July 11 at Luyben Family Dilday-Mottell Mortuary 5161 E. Arbor Road, there will be a Viewing from 5:00 - 6:30 P.M., Rosary, 6:30 PM, Remembrances, 7- 8:00 P.M.Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 12, at 11 a.m., at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 6220 E. Willow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Knights of Columbus (http://kofc.org) who helped Mimi and her family during her childhood.

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